A MAN arrested on suspicion of deliberately infecting his male lovers with HIV is wanted by police after failing to answer bail.

Daryll Rowe, 25, of Edinburgh, is alleged to have put men at risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases by deliberately tampering with condoms. He was arrested in Brighton on February 5 on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

He was released on bail by Sussex Police until April 5 before being re-bailed twice until May and then until last Friday.

He is now aged 26 and has no fixed address.

Last night a force spokeswoman said officers did not know his whereabouts but were "pursuing all lines of enquiry" in a bid to find him.

She said: "Police officers are looking for a 26-year-old man, who was arrested in Brighton on suspicion of deliberately infecting men with HIV in February this year, after he failed to answer bail on Friday.

"A warrant is not necessary for him to be arrested when found. We are actively working with other police forces to locate him and are pursuing all lines of enquiry.

"The man has bail conditions not to come to Brighton and we do not believe he is in Sussex."

At the time of his arrest, two potential victims had spoken to officers.

Another man came forward after press coverage of the police appeal and a public health warning issued by both Brighton and Hove City Council's director of public health and Sussex Police on February 23.

Officials urged anyone who may have been sexually involved with the man between October last year and mid February to seek health advice.

But neither the council or police provided his name and only identified him as being a Scottish-accented man in his twenties.

The Argus confirmed his identity with officials in his native Scotland and revealed his name after the police force said it was unable legally to do so.

This newspaper has pictures of the man but has chosen not to release them in case there was potential risk of prejudicing the police investigation.

Anyone with information or who thinks they may have had a sexual encounter with the man should call police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Brickhill.

Quote

"Our investigation in to allegations that a man deliberately sabotaged safe sex practices with other men, exposing them to the risk of HIV and other sexual infection, is ongoing. We continue to work closely with Brighton and Hove City Council, Public Health England and sexual health services throughout the city to ensure individuals at risk have access to early diagnosis and treatment and have the opportunity to discuss their circumstances with officers should they chose to." - Detective inspector Andy Wolstenholme speaking at the time of the arrest

HEALTH WARNING WAS ISSUED AFTER ARREST

A PUBLIC health warning was issued in Brighton and Hove in February after Daryll Rowe’s the arrest.

Tom Scanlon, the city’s director of public health at the time, called on any man who may have had sexual contact with the suspect to contact sexual health services.

He said: “Service providers will be able to offer advice on whether further testing is required. HIV is a serious condition and there are other sexually transmitted infections which can be acquired during unsafe sex.

“Early diagnosis and treatments are available and the message of safe sex with the clear and consistent use of condoms remains as strong as ever.

“We are working closely with the police, Public Health England and our partners in sexual health services on this matter.

“We would encourage anyone with concerns relating to this individual to contact their local sexual health services.”

Medical experts say it is critical that people diagnosed with HIV begin treatment immediately.

Patients in developed countries have a normal life expectancy when the virus is properly treated.

A three-year international drugs trial known as the Start study (the strategic timing of antiretroviral treatment) concluded in May last year that patients who begin treatment straight away have a 70 per cent lower risk of contracting Aids-related diseases than those who wait.

The treatment helps ensure HIV cannot damage the immune system and should mean the likelihood of transmitting the disease is extremely low.

Anyone with health worries should call the Terrence Higgins Trust on 01273 764200 or the Claude Nicol Centre in Brighton on 01273 523388.